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What makes a space feel right? Why do certain environments help us thrive while others drain our energy? And how does our intuition—not just logic—guide us in career transitions?

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Beams, founder of Highstone & Co., to explore the psychology of home design, career decision-making, and the courage to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Stephanie started her career in New York’s fashion industry before following her intuition into interior design and launching her own business. Now, she helps people create spaces that support well-being, productivity, and creativity—using insights from psychology, neuroscience, and nature.

We dive deep into:
🔹 How to know when it’s time to make a career pivot—and how to overcome fear
🔹 Why successful entrepreneurs rely on intuition as much as strategy
🔹 The science of Neuroaesthetics—how spaces affect our brains, stress levels, and focus
🔹 Why natural elements like plants, textures, and light can transform a home (and a mindset)
🔹 Practical design tips for anyone feeling uninspired in their space
🔹 Lessons from entrepreneurship—biggest wins, failures, and what Stephanie would do differently

Key Takeaways:

✨ Great design is psychological – It’s not just about looks; it’s about how a space makes you feel.
✨ Your environment shapes your productivity – Small changes can dramatically shift your energy, creativity, and mindset.
✨ Taking the leap isn’t as scary as it seems – If you’re considering a major career pivot, Stephanie’s journey is proof that intuition and calculated risk can go hand in hand.

About Stephanie Beams:
Stephanie is the founder of Highstone & Co., where she designs consciously curated interiors that enhance well-being. Her background in fashion, psychology, and Neuroaesthetics gives her a unique perspective on how people connect with spaces. When she’s not designing, she runs a boutique farm with her family in Orange County, NY—bringing nature’s principles into her work and lifestyle.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book Recommendation: Beauty, Neuroscience & Architecture: Timeless Patterns & Their Impact on Our Well-Being - Donald H. Ruggles, AIA

Connect with Stephanie:

🔗 Instagram: Highstone & Co
🔗 Portfolio and website: Highstoneandco.com

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

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What does it mean to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Smallman, founder and CEO of Working Voices, whose decades of work with global organizations (JP Morgan, Sony, Barclays, Goldman Sachs) has focused on improving leadership, communication, and engagement in times of profound change.

Now, he’s turning his attention to the individual. His forthcoming project, The Sustainable Human, is a training program designed to help people reclaim their agency, humanity, and purpose in the face of accelerating tech and cultural shifts. Together, we explore how we can thrive—not just survive—as the lines between human and machine get blurrier.

Episode Highlights

• The Sustainable Human: Nick dives into his newest project, a training program that gives people the essential skills that they need to boost confidence and improve relationships in a fast-changing world.
• Mission-Critical Soft Skills: Why empathy, creativity, and adaptability are essential in an AI-driven world.
• The Risks of Transhumanism: How to avoid a dystopian future and keep technology in service of humanity.
• Thought Experiments for the Future: Envisioning the risks of over-reliance on technology and creating a better path forward.

About Nick Smallman
Nick Smallman is the founder of Working Voices, where he’s spent 25+ years training leaders in communication, inclusion, and engagement. His new initiative, The Sustainable Human, is a call to action—for people to reconnect with their values, with others, and with what makes them uniquely human.

Resources Mentioned

• The Sustainable Human (Nick Smallman’s forthcoming program)
• How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkemam
• Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Connect with Nick Smallman

• LinkedIn: Nick Smallman

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

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Gamification isn’t just about badges and points—it’s about designing systems that make difficult behaviors feel doable, even fun. In this episode of Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy, we’re joined by Dr. Jacqui Nortje, a behavioral scientist and gamification expert based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over a decade of experience in South Africa’s wellness and financial services industries, Jacqui blends academic rigor and real-world product design to explore how we can build systems that drive meaningful and sustainable behavior change.

From understanding motivation to reframing goals to self-experimentation with exercise and sugar habits, this episode is packed with insights for anyone working in behavior change, digital health, or simply trying to build better habits themselves.

Episode Highlights

• Gamification Demystified: What it really means (hint: it’s not just about “fun”) and why effective gamification design centers on motivation and human needs.
• Framing Goals to Match Readiness: Why performance goals can backfire too early, and how Jacqui’s PhD research reveals the power of learning and hybrid-framed goals.
• Designing for Real Life: How stress, seasonality, and shifting routines derail good habits—and how games can help people get back on track.
• Motivation on a Spectrum: What self-determination theory teaches us about moving from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation—and what product teams often miss.
• When Gamification Fails: Why point systems and leaderboards often fall short, and what to do instead.
• Self-Gamification in Practice: Jacqui shares personal experiments with home workouts and sugar reduction—and what she learned when her goals succeeded (and when they didn’t).

Why You Should Listen
If you're designing a health or fitness product, leading a behavior change initiative, or simply trying to build a better habit system for yourself—this episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink what makes motivation stick. Jacqui blends science, strategy, and humanity in a way that’s refreshingly real.

Connect with Dr. Jacqui Nortje

• LinkedIn
• Substack: Long-form reflections on gamification, habits, and behavior change
  
  

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

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In this episode of Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy, we explore what it means to build truly intergenerational workplaces with Dr. Daniel Jolles, a Workplace Behavioral Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at The Inclusion Initiative at the London School of Economics. Daniel’s research focuses on workplace aging, generational collaboration, and how to rethink career longevity in an era of rapid technological and societal change. Together, we dive into how age diversity can become a source of strength—not stigma—and what individuals and organizations can do to prepare for longer, more fulfilling careers.

Episode Highlights

• From Multigenerational to Intergenerational: Why representation alone isn’t enough—collaboration is key.
• The Real Cost of Ageism: How stereotypes harm both younger and older workers—and what’s lost when we buy into them.
• Redefining “Good Work” Across the Lifespan: Autonomy, flexibility, and meaning as pillars of sustainable work.
• AI and Age: Why older professionals’ judgment and soft skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven world.
• Career Longevity and Retirement: How to design a meaningful life beyond full-time work—and why planning should start early.

Key Insights

• Age diversity fosters productivity, creativity, and better decision-making—especially in project teams with inclusive behaviors.
• Generational stereotypes (e.g., “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or “Gen Z is entitled”) persist despite evidence to the contrary.
• Age and seniority are not the same—organizations must decouple age from leadership status to unlock expertise at all levels.
• Planning for retirement isn’t just about finances—it’s about social connection, identity, and continued purpose.
• Passion doesn’t have to be monetized. Sometimes, being “a bit crap at it” is exactly the point.

About Dr. Daniel Jolles
Daniel Jolles, PhD, is a Workplace Behavioral Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at The Inclusion Initiative at LSE. His work focuses on career sustainability, age-inclusive cultures, and the behavioral science of intergenerational teams. He leads research through the Generations Hub, advancing inclusion and productivity in the workplace.

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

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Social health is just as essential as physical and mental health—so why do we often neglect it? In this episode, Dr. Iain Smith joins Michelle Handy to explore the science of social connection and its impact on well-being, longevity, and workplace culture. As the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, Dr. Smith has spent years studying how relationships shape our lives and how we can create healthier, more connected workplaces and communities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What is social health? Understanding the biopsychosocial model of health
• The science of connection: How social relationships reduce stress, boost immunity, and increase lifespan
• Why social health is undervalued compared to physical and mental health
• The loneliness epidemic and its effects on different generations
• The role of workplace culture in fostering meaningful human connection
• Barriers to connection in today’s fast-paced, digital world
• Practical tips for improving social health—even for busy professionals and remote workers

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress. Research shows that strong relationships help mediate stress and promote better mental and physical health.
• The quality of relationships matters more than quantity. While digital tools make it easier than ever to stay connected, many people report dissatisfaction with the depth of their interactions.
• The workplace plays a critical role in social well-being. Organizations that prioritize trust, communication, and genuine relationships see stronger team performance, resilience, and engagement.
• Small changes make a big difference. Just adding one or two extra social interactions per week can reduce extreme loneliness by 50%.

One Action Step You Can Take Today

• Send a voice note to a friend or colleague! Instead of a text, send a short voice message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Hearing your voice makes the interaction more personal, meaningful, and engaging.

More About Our Guest

• Dr. Iain Smith is a behavioral scientist focused on improving workplace well-being through social health. As the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, he has led groundbreaking research on fostering connection in modern work environments. His work has been featured in The Independent, Management Today, and he has spoken at Google Cloud, Volkswagen, and Shell.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Sunny & their upcoming app: gosunny.org
• Read Sunny’s Workplace Social Health Report: Social Connection in the Modern World Report
• Follow Sunny on LinkedIn: Sunny on LinkedIn

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals – Oliver Burkeman

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send us a text

In this episode, we explore what it means to leave academia and build a fulfilling career outside the ivory tower. Ashley Ruba, PhD, shares her journey from developmental psychology to UX research at Meta and entrepreneurship, founding After Academia to help PhDs navigate their own transitions. From overcoming identity challenges to discovering exciting opportunities in industry, Ashley’s insights are invaluable for anyone considering life beyond tenure.

Episode Highlights

• The challenges of leaving academia and redefining identity
• Practical advice for starting a career transition
• Exciting roles and industries suited for PhDs beyond UX
• Building After Academia and lessons from entrepreneurship
• Navigating career shifts as a neurodivergent professional
• The importance of design thinking in shaping a fulfilling career

About Ashley Ruba

• Ashley Ruba, PhD, is a UX researcher, entrepreneur, and founder of After Academia, a program dedicated to helping PhDs build fulfilling careers outside academia. After leaving her own academic career, Ashley turned her experience into a thriving business, landing over 50 job offers for her clients and empowering countless professionals to find balance, purpose, and stability. She has also worked as a human factors engineer, content strategist, and startup consultant.

Resources Mentioned

• After Academia website: www.ashleyruba.com
• TED Talk: Do schools kill creativity? By Sir Ken Robinson
• The Future of Jobs Report 2025 World Economic Forum

Connect with Ashley

• LinkedIn: Ashley Ruba’s Profile
• www.ashleyruba.com

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send us a text

In this episode, we delve into the intersection of behavioral science, leadership, and workplace well-being with Dr. Mandy Varley, a behavioral scientist and executive coach. She shares her insights on building healthier, more effective workplaces and rethinking traditional metrics of success.

Highlights

• How the rise of AI is forcing us to rethink what we expect from humans at work
• Why treating workplace burnout as an individual problem misses the bigger picture
• What happens when we treat human energy like an unlimited resource
• The unexpected pressure of trying to find purpose at work
• Why the way we think about time shapes everything about work

About Mandy Varley
Mandy Varley is a behavioral scientist with extensive experience in leadership coaching, product development, and organizational behavior. She has a passion for addressing workplace challenges with research-backed solutions that prioritize human sustainability and well-being.

Resources Mentioned

• Dying for a Paycheck by Jeffrey Pfeffer
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send us a text

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how women are shaping the future of behavior design—from scaling impact in organizations to building powerful professional communities. Stephanie Weldy shares her journey from the public sector to Chief of Staff to Dr. BJ Fogg, her role as co-founder of WEB (Womxn Engaged in Behavior), and how behavior design principles are transforming industries.

Episode Highlights:

💡 How behavior design is being implemented at scale across industries
💡 Common misconceptions about applying behavioral science in organizations
💡 The role of community in advancing behavioral science—and why women need to support each other
💡 Innovations in teaching and making behavior design more accessible
💡 How to define success by amplifying your strengths and lifting others

About Stephanie Weldy

• Stephanie Weldy is Chief of Staff to Dr. BJ Fogg, Stanford behavior scientist and author of Tiny Habits. After spending a decade in the public sector working on employee well-being, she now leads operations and partnerships for Fogg’s research and teaching. She is also a co-founder of WEB (Womxn Engaged in Behavior), a growing network dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in behavioral science and creating spaces where women can uplift, mentor, and support one another.

Resources Mentioned:

🔹 Behavior Design & Implementation

• Fogg Behavior Model: behaviormodel.org
• Tiny Habits framework for successful behavior change
• Real-world case studies of scaling behavior design
• Scientific evidence supporting the model

🔹 Women Supporting Women in Behavioral Science

• WEB (Womxn Engaged in Behavior): Join the community here

🔹 Scaling Impact & Innovation

• How organizations are successfully integrating behavior design into their cultures
• Strategies for making behavior change practical in the workplace
• Teaching methodologies that drive real-world application

Connect with Our Guest:

📍 Follow Stephanie Weldy on LinkedIn
📍 Learn more about WEB: Link
📍 Check out Dr. BJ Fogg’s work: bjfogg.com

🎧 Listen now to learn how behavioral science is evolving—and how women supporting women is the key to making an impact.

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.